Dazzling

Soon, Qing Ye's phone rang. Seeing it was Xing Wu calling, for some reason she suddenly didn't want to answer, didn't want to hear his voice, and even felt like smashing her phone.

So... she turned it off.

Truthfully, Qing Ye wasn't overthinking things. She just wanted to be alone for a while to adjust her mindset. She knew this state wasn't good - she wasn't someone with poor self-control. She believed she could quickly regain her composure, provided Xing Wu didn't disturb her during this time.

Xing Wu had mounted his motorcycle right after leaving Dazzle Island, searching every possible alley between Zhazha Pavilion and the school, but found no trace of Qing Ye. Qing Ye rarely went out, her usual radius of movement was limited, and she wouldn't wander to unfamiliar places farther away.

Standing at the closed gates of An Middle School, the campus dark inside, Xing Wu's anxiety burned like wildfire. The rearview mirror reflected the road behind the school, as if he could still see Qing Ye's proud figure gliding on her hoverboard right before his eyes.

Clenching his fists, he suddenly thought of Electronics Street. Besides Zhazha Pavilion, it was the only place Qing Ye had ever gone to by herself. With a sharp turn, he sped toward Electronics Street.

He didn't know how long he'd been searching. He was even thinking that if he couldn't find her along this route, he'd have to call all his buddies to help search the entire county.

Until he rounded a street corner and saw a small figure sitting under a distant streetlight. He slammed the brakes so hard he almost thought he was seeing things. But two seconds later, when he confirmed it was indeed Qing Ye, he completely lost it.

Swerving toward the figure, the closer he got, the clearer her lonely silhouette became - nestled in the sparse streetlight glow as if veiled in faint melancholy, head bowed while staring absently at her own shadow.

He called out: "Qing Ye."

Hearing Xing Wu's voice, Qing Ye initially thought she was hallucinating. She slowly turned her head to see the motorcycle speeding through the night like a swift meteor tearing through the darkness, crashing straight into her heart until it stopped abruptly before her, tires screeching against the pavement. Xing Wu looked down at her, his eyes blazing bright like the most brilliant stars had fallen into them, emitting dazzling light.

His voice carried unconcealed anger: "You just leave without a word, treating my place like a hotel? Going out so late without telling anyone? Why didn't you answer my calls? Do you know how long I've been looking for you? I've practically turned Anzi County upside down! Say something!"

With that, he swung his long leg off the motorcycle and stood before Qing Ye, his tall shadow looming like a solid wall.

Qing Ye slowly raised her head to gaze at him, the dim light illuminating her flickering, uneasy eyes that pierced straight into Xing Wu's heart. She gradually rose from the stone ledge, frowning: "I..."

The next moment, she fell into Xing Wu's embrace - without warning, sudden, completely unprepared. Xing Wu pulled her directly against his chest, tightening his arms around her, his warm breath falling by her ear: "Sister Shu helped me when I needed it. I'll find a way to help her with this matter, but I won't be with her."

Qing Ye's arms remained at her sides, her body like thin paper pressed tightly against him. Her heartbeat quickened, her mind went blank, completely ceasing to function, making her blurt out unconsciously: "Why?"Xing Wu released her, lowering his head to gaze firmly into her eyes, his breath scorching: "Are you nearsighted?"

"Not nearsighted."

"If you're not nearsighted, can't you see why?"

Qing Ye lowered her lashes and bit her lip hard, her hands trembling slightly at her sides as she turned her head away with a stinging nose: "Why would I need your explanation? I didn't come out because of you anyway, I just... wanted to get some ice cream..."

Xing Wu looked down at her, his eyes softening with indulgence: "Did you get any?"

Qing Ye's eyes suddenly reddened. She shook her head, her voice tinged with disappointment: "Couldn't find any."

Seeing her like a little girl about to cry over missing candy, Xing Wu felt utterly helpless. He reached out and ruffled her hair. Qing Ye stood motionless, docile as a curly-haired lamb, making his heart itch. He bent down to meet her gaze, his eyes burning intensely: "Ready to go home now?"

Qing Ye sniffled without responding. Xing Wu turned and swung onto his motorcycle. As Qing Ye moved toward him, he shifted backward and said, "I came out in a hurry without a jacket. Sit in front to block the wind for me."

"Why should I?"

"Because I'm cold."

Qing Ye suddenly glared at him in dissatisfaction, but Xing Wu just laughed recklessly.

With a huff, Qing Ye sat in front of him on the motorcycle. Immediately, Xing Wu encircled her, his arms gripping the handles as he twisted the throttle slightly. The motorcycle weaved through the old streets, Qing Ye's back pressed against Xing Wu's solid chest. She never knew a boy's chest could feel so secure and warm. The wind whipped past her ears, yet her cheeks burned hotter.

Xing Wu lowered his head, his breath brushing through her hair, his voice husky: "Cold?"

Qing Ye's mind wandered as she murmured "Mm." Xing Wu tightened his arms, pulling her completely into his embrace. Qing Ye nestled against his chest, not daring to move. She felt doomed—just minutes ago she'd been trying to adjust her mindset, but now it had completely shattered.

The Little Angel stopped at the entrance of Dazzle Island. Qing Ye, her face flushed the entire way, practically stumbled off the motorcycle with burning cheeks. As Xing Wu locked the bike, she waited by his side.

After locking up, Xing Wu turned and touched her hand—icy cold. He immediately tucked it into his pocket. Qing Ye's hands had indeed gone numb from the wind, and only now, sheltered in his pocket, did she feel the cold.

They were about to enter Dazzle Island when Da Hei and the others, hearing the noise, came out and asked, "Found her?"

As they emerged together, Qing Ye glanced at Shu Han and tried to pull her hand from Xing Wu's pocket. But Xing Wu gripped it firmly, his palm warm and broad, holding her hand tightly without allowing escape.

He joked lightly, "She got cravings and ran out looking for snacks."

Quan Ya glanced at their joined hands, then turned to Shu Han. Shu Han simply smiled faintly: "Glad she's found. Wang Min needs me for something, so I'll head out first. Da Hei can drop me off on his way."

"Alright." Da Hei mounted his motorcycle and left with Shu Han.

Only after they turned the corner did Quan Ya toss his cigarette aside and look at Xing Wu: "Let's go back to Shunyi to talk."

Hua Bi stood nearby with crossed arms, silent. Xing Wu released Qing Ye and turned to her: "Go inside. Lock up and get some sleep. Don't wait for me tonight."Quan Ya and Hua Bi had already instinctively wandered across the street to wait for Xing Wu. Qing Ye shot them a worried glance, but Xing Wu smiled at her and said, "It's fine, go ahead."

Xing Wu watched Qing Ye enter before pulling down the rolling shutter door. Only then did he turn to face his brothers across the street.

Author's Note: An impromptu mini-chapter update. I didn't sleep well last night and have a headache. See you all tomorrow for real this time, heh~